Mining apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

A system for mining material in an underground tunnel, comprises a rail on the roof of the tunnel. A tram is supported on the rail and is movable along the rail. The tram has a conveyor for moving material along the length of the tram. Material is transferred to the tram by a loader which is also supported on a rail and movable along the rail. The conveyor has a ramp with a loading conveyor for transporting material upwardly along the ramp. Material is discharged from an upper end of the ramp onto the tram conveyor.

FIELD

This relates to mining, in particular, to methods and apparatus for underground excavation, development and extraction.

BACKGROUND

Mining of underground deposits such as ore bodies requires excavation of very large quantities of material and transportation of such material to or toward the surface for processing. Handling of such materials requires heavy equipment, such as blasting or drilling equipment, material handling equipment, structural components, and the like. Some or all of such heavy equipment must be transported throughout the mine structure.

Typically, equipment, personnel and rock are moved using wheeled vehicles. Unfortunately, this technique has numerous deficiencies. For example, the inclination of mine tunnels is limited by the maximum incline on which wheeled vehicles can be safely operated. As a result, some formations cannot be mined in an economically viable manner using conventional methods.

In addition, the minimum dimensions of tunnels are defined by the space requirements for operation of vehicles. Moreover, movement of material by vehicles is inefficient and limits the rate at which material can be removed and processed.

Vehicles used in mines are commonly driven by internal combustion engines. Use of such engines underground poses problems. For example, mines must be effectively ventilated to remove internal combustion engine exhaust. Ventilation is very costly and insufficient ventilation can lead to unsafe air quality in the mine.

SUMMARY

An example system for mining material in an underground tunnel comprises: a rail mounted to a roof of the tunnel; a tram comprising: a tram carriage supporting the tram on the rail, for movement along the rail; a tram conveyor mounted to the tram carriage, for movement of material relative to the tram carriage; a loader comprising: a loader carriage supporting the loader on the rail, for movement along the rail; a ramp having a loading conveyor for transporting material upwardly along the ramp, wherein the loader discharges material from an upper end of the ramp onto the tram conveyor.

An example method for mining material in an underground tunnel comprises: moving a tram carriage toward a face of the tunnel along a rail mounted to a roof of the tunnel; transferring fragmented rock from a loading ramp suspended from the rail to a conveyor on the tram carriage; moving the fragmented rock with the conveyor along a length of the tram.

An example system for mining in an underground tunnel comprises: a conveyor extending along the tunnel and supported on the floor of the tunnel, the conveyor operable to transport granulated material towards the surface; a rail extending along the tunnel and mounted to a roof of the tunnel above the conveyor, the rail operable to support wheeled machinery for transportation along the rail.

An example method of mining material in an underground tunnel comprises: moving fragmented rock along the tunnel on a ground-mounted conveyor; moving a loading device relative to the ground-mounted conveyor along a rail mounted to a roof of the tunnel, such that the loading device overlaps the ground-mounted conveyor; transferring fragmented rock from the loading device to the ground-mounted conveyor.

An example drilling apparatus for use in a mining tunnel comprises: a wheeled carriage for suspending the drilling apparatus from a rail on the roof of the tunnel; a frame depending from the wheeled carriage; a boom, comprising a tool holder having a drill mounted thereon; a pivotable joint connecting the boom and the frame, wherein the boom can be rotated around the pivotable joint.

An example drilling apparatus for use in a mining tunnel comprises: a frame movably suspended from a rail on a roof of the tunnel; a boom having a drill mounted thereon; a pivotable joint connecting the boom and the frame, wherein the boom can be rotated around the pivotable joint.

An example platform apparatus for use in a mining tunnel comprises a wheeled carriage for suspending the platform apparatus from a rail on the roof of the tunnel; a frame depending from the wheeled carriage; a working platform for elevating workers to access an end face or a ceiling of the mining tunnel; a linkage between the frame and platform operable to move the platform relative to the frame.

An example platform apparatus for use in a mining tunnel comprises: a frame movably suspended from a rail on the roof of the tunnel; a working platform for elevating workers to access an end face or a ceiling of the mining tunnel; an articulated linkage between the working platform and the frame.

An example method of mining material comprises: blasting a region of rock positioned vertically between overcut and undercut tunnels, to create a debris pile; moving a conveyor along a roof-mounted rail in the undercut tunnel, so that the conveyor is positioned to receive fragmented material from the debris pile; suspending a blade above the debris pile from a wire between the pulley and the conveyor; and drawing the blade across the debris pile with the wire to draw fragmented material onto the conveyor.

An example apparatus for mining material comprises: a first rail mounted along a roof of an overcut tunnel; a second rail mounted along a roof of an undercut tunnel, the undercut tunnel positioned below the overcut tunnel, wherein a void extends vertically between the undercut tunnel and the overcut tunnel; a conveyor mounted to the second rail in the undercut tunnel proximate the void; a blade suspended from a pulley on the first rail, the blade movable through the void across a debris pile to draw material from the debris pile onto the conveyor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the figures, which depict example embodiments:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a mine;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing a rail, conveyor tram and loading apparatus in a tunnel;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged isometric view of a carriage on the rail of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a simplified cross-section view of a conveyor belt and rollers;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of two conveyor trams on respective rails;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a crossover mechanism between the rails of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C are schematic views showing an alternate crossover mechanism;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a drilling apparatus on the rail of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 9A-9B are isometric views showing operational configurations of the drilling apparatus of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the drilling apparatus of FIG. 8 in a transport configuration;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a platform apparatus and explosive transportation unit on the rail of FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the platform apparatus of FIG. 11 in a transport configuration;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a stabilizer;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart depicting a process of mining in a tunnel;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view showing a junction of a tunnel and a main tunnel of the mine of FIG.1;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a conveyor in the main tunnel of FIG. 15, with an enlarged view of a joint between conveyor belt sections;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing relative positions of a loading device, conveyor tram and conveyor within the main tunnel of FIG. 15;

FIGS. 18A-18B are schematic diagrams of another conveyor tram and a conveyor within the main tunnel of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18C is a schematic diagram of a belt of the conveyor of FIGS. 18A-18B;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart depicting a process of mining in a main tunnel;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart depicting a process of stope mining between tunnels;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing a block between overcut and undercut tunnels;

FIG. 22 is an isometric view showing blasting of the block of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view showing excavation of a debris pile and a stope;

FIG. 24 is an isometric view showing excavation of a debris pile and a stope; and

FIG. 25 is an isometric view showing excavation of a debris pile and a stope.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an example mine 100. Mine 100 is constructed within a rock formation containing a mineral resource. Herein, the mineral resource body is referred to as an ore body 102. However, the present disclosure is not limited to mining of ore bodies.

Mine 100 includes a main tunnel 104, which may be inclined, and a plurality of secondary tunnels 106 which branch from main tunnel 104. Main tunnel extends proximate ore body 102. Secondary tunnels 106 extend away from main tunnel 104 and into ore body 102.tunnel

Generally, main tunnel 104 provides a path for machinery, personnel and material to be moved between the surface and working areas in the mine. For example, machinery, personnel and structural material may traverse main tunnel 104 and be used to extend the tunnel 104 or tunnels 106, or to break (e.g. drill or blast) material from ore body 102. Such activities may create fragmented waste rock and ore, referred to as muck, which may be removed to the surface by way of main tunnel 104.

Tunnels 106 communicate with main tunnel 104 and extend away from the tunnel 104 into ore body 102. Tunnels 106 are constructed to provide access to ore body 102 for extraction of resources.

Each tunnel 106 ends at a rock face 109. Excavation may be performed in cycles. That is, drilling or blasting may be performed at the face to break rock for removal. The resulting fragments, referred to as muck, may be removed, and then drilling or blasting may be repeated. Each repetition of this cycle adds a specific depth to the tunnel 106.

Each of main tunnel 104 and secondary tunnels 106 may be a straight linear corridor or may contain one or more curves. The radius of curves in a particular tunnel are subject to performance limitations of the apparatus used for transportation in that tunnel.

Junction section 112 is a portion of tunnel 106 proximate to the main tunnel 104. Junction section 112 includes features for permitting transfer of material and apparatus between tunnel 104 and tunnel 106.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing example in a tunnel 106.

Tunnel 106 is bounded by top and bottom surfaces, referred to respectively as the roof 114 and floor 116, and lateral surfaces referred to as walls.

Tunnel 106 contains a transport system. As shown, the transport system includes a rail 120 suspended from roof 114. Rail 120 is secured to roof 114 using a plurality of rock bolts spaced apart along the roof 114 of tunnel 106. The size, quantity and spacing of rock bolts may depend on, for example, the composition of ore body 102 and the surrounding waste rock; the length of drive 106; and the amount of weight expected to be borne by the transport system.

In the depicted embodiment, rail 120 is a monorail. Wheeled carriages 122 may be mounted to monorail 120 for movement along the monorail. Propulsion of the carriages 122 along monorail 120 may be achieved using any suitable drive system. For example, some carriages 122 may have an internal drive unit. The drive unit may include an electrical motor which may be provided power by way of a lead integrated with monorail 120 or proximate monorail 120. In some embodiments, the electrical drive may have a wheel to frictionally drive carriage 122 along monorail 120. In other embodiments, the electrical drive may have a geared interface with monorail 120 or with an auxiliary rack. As will be apparent, a geared interface may be capable of exerting greater motive force, and may be suitable for operation at large inclination angles.

Monorail 120 extends substantially the entire length of tunnel 106, such that carriages 122 on monorail can be moved from a proximal end where monorail and tunnel 106 interface with main tunnel 104, to a distal end where carriages 122 can position equipment for working on rock face 109.

Referring to FIG. 2, a conveyor tram 130 and a muck loading apparatus 132 are depicted. Both of conveyor tram 130 and muck loading apparatus 132 are supported on monorail 120. Conveyor tram 130 and muck loading apparatus 132 are suspended from a plurality of carriages 122 on monorail 120.

FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged interface between monorail 120 and a carriage 122. As shown, rail 120 has a generally I-shaped cross section. Carriage 122 includes rollers 123 which interface with rail 120 to lock the carriages. An electric drive 125 is also provided and may be mounted to carriage 122, either directly or by way of a frame.

Rail 120 has an underside with a series of projecting teeth 127 defining a gear rack. Drive 125 has an output gear (not shown) with teeth configured to mesh with teeth 127. Alternatively, rail 120 may lack teeth 127, in which case drive 125 may interface frictionally with rail 120. In frictional-interface embodiments, rail 120 may optionally comprise a friction-increasing surface to increase traction for drive 125.

Although FIG. 3 depicts a drive 125 which engages directly with rail 120, in some embodiments, the drive engagement may be with an auxiliary rail positioned proximate rail 120.

Conveyor tram 130 has a frame 134. In the depicted embodiment, conveyor tram also has a chassis 136 mounted to carriages 122 proximate monorail 120 and between frame 134 and carriages 122. Chassis 136 houses a drive 137 operable to propel conveyor tram along monorail 120 as a unit. The drive may comprise an electrical motor and may have a frictional or geared drive interface.

A conveyor 138 is carried on frame 134. As shown, conveyor 138 is an endless belt conveyor. In the depicted embodiment, conveyor 138 has a belt 140 formed of metallic (e.g. steel) core links, covered with a polymer (e.g. rubber) later. Alternatively, belt 140 may be constructed of woven fabric or entirely of a polymer such as rubber.

Belt 140 is carried on a plurality of rollers, including one or more drive rollers 142 and one or more idler rollers 144. Drive rollers 142 are driven by an electric motor (not shown). The electric motor may be powered by an electrical lead integrated with or proximate to monorail 120.

As will be described in further detail, conveyor tram 130 is operable to receive a load of fragmented waste rock or resource material for removal from tunnel 106 to main tunnel 104 and subsequently, to the surface.

Conveyor tram 130 has two modes of moving material. Specifically, a first mode involves movement of the conveyor tram 130 along monorail 120. A drive acting between conveyor tram 130 and a support, such as monorail 122, is used to propel the conveyor tram towards or away from face 109. Conveyor tram 130 moves away from face 109 to unload material and towards face 109 to return for reloading.

In a second mode, belt 140 of the conveyor tram is moved by drive rollers 142. Belt 140 can be moved while the conveyor tram 130 itself moves along monorail 120. Alternatively, conveyor tram 130 can be moved while conveyor tram 130 is static.

Advancing belt 140 moves material relative to frame 134 and enables fragmented material to be loaded along the length of belt 140 from a fixed loading point. For example, material may be loaded onto conveyor tram 130 at an end close to the tunnel face 109, referred to herein as the distal end. As such loading occurs, continued movement of belt 140 moves the loaded material towards the opposite end, i.e. the end closest to main tunnel 104, referred to herein as the proximal end.

Likewise, material may be unloaded from conveyor tram 130 at a location near its proximal end. Advancing belt 140 moves loaded material from the distal end towards the proximal end for unloading.

FIG. 4 is a simplified cross sectional view of an example configuration of belt 140 and idler rollers 144 supporting belt 140. As depicted, rollers 144 are arranged generally in an arch, and belt 140 lies atop the arch defined by rollers 144. Fragmented material deposited onto belt 140 collects on the inside of the arch. This configuration tends to be relatively space-efficient. That is, the cross-sectional area of the material pile that forms on belt 140 is large relative to the width of the belt.

Other cross-sectional arrangements are possible, as will be apparent. For example, rollers 144 may support belt 140 in a horizontal plane or in a trough shape, with a planar bottom and angled sides.

Referring again to FIG. 2, muck loading apparatus 132 is operable to move fragmented rock, referred to as “muck”, away from face 109 and floor 116 and onto conveyor tram 130.

Like conveyor tram 130, muck loading apparatus 132 is suspended from monorail 120. Specifically, a frame 150 of the muck loading apparatus is suspended on carriages 122. A drive unit 152 is positioned in frame 150 and operable to propel muck loading apparatus 132 along monorail 120 towards and away from face 109. In the depicted embodiment, drive unit 152 comprises an electric motor, powered by a supply lead integrated with or positioned proximate monorail 120. Drive motor 152 may have a frictional or geared drive interface.

Frame 150 supports a ramp unit 154, a discharge unit 156 and an outrigger unit 158.

Ramp unit 154 has a distal end positioned nearest face 109 and a proximal end, positioned nearest main tunnel 104. Ramp unit 154 is supported near its proximal end by frame 150. Ramp 154 is pivotable relative to frame 150 about a horizontal axis, such that the distal end of ramp unit 154 can be pivoted toward roof 114 or toward floor 116. Ramp 154 is also pivotable relative to frame 150 about a vertical axis, such that it can be angled towards one or the other of side walls 118. As will be described in greater detail, ramp unit 154 is movable between stowed and operational positions. FIG. 2 depicts ramp unit 154 in its operational position.

As shown, the distal end of ramp unit 154 is positioned near floor 116 and the ramp unit 154 is angled upwardly so that its proximal end is positioned slightly above and near the distal end of conveyor tram 130.

Ramp unit 154 has a conveyor 160. Conveyor 160 may be an electric motor-driven endless belt conveyor, substantially similar to conveyor 138 of conveyor tram 130. Conveyor 160 may be driven at variable speed and is operable to move muck from the conveyor's distal end towards its proximal end, for loading onto conveyor tram 130 by way of discharge unit 156.

Outrigger unit 158 of the muck loading apparatus has a boom 162 mounted to and extending distally of frame 150. As depicted, frame 150 may be positioned near the end of monorail 120, such that boom 162 of outrigger unit 158 extends beyond monorail 120. Boom 162 is sufficiently long to span a distance between the end of monorail 120 and face 109 of tunnel 106. That distance corresponds to a minimum distance at which machinery must positioned relative to a blasted rock face for equipment operation and recovery of blasted material. In the depicted embodiment, the distance is 3 metres. However, the distance may be larger or smaller.

Boom 162 is supported near its proximal end by frame 150. Boom 162 is pivotable relative to frame 150 about a vertical axis, such that it can be angled towards one or the other of side walls 118 of the tunnel. Boom 162 may also be pivotable about a horizontal axis, such that the distal end of boom 162 can be pivoted toward roof 114 or toward floor 116 of the tunnel. Boom 162 may also be axially extendable towards or away from face 109.

Boom 162 supports a pulley 164 at the boom's distal end. A pulley wire 165 is looped in a circuit around pulley 164, a second pulley 166 at the distal end of ramp unit 154, and a third pulley 168 at the proximal end of boom 162.

A blade 170 is mounted to pulley wire 165. Blade 170 can be reciprocated by movement of wire 165 through a stroke between pulley 164 at the distal end of boom 162 and second pulley 166 at the distal end of ramp unit 154.

Blade 170 rests atop a muck pile 172 produced by breaking (e.g. drilling and blasting) of face 109. Pulling of blade 170 through its stroke towards ramp unit 154 pulls fragmented rock onto conveyor 160 of the ramp unit.

At the proximal end of conveyor 160, fragmented rock falls from conveyor 160 to discharge unit 158. Discharge unit 158 comprises a chute (not shown) for directing the rock onto the conveyor of conveyor tram 130.

It is desirable for rock to be evenly distributed along conveyor 138 of conveyor tram 130. Even distribution avoids concentration of loads on the conveyor. To this end, discharge of rock from ramp unit 154 to conveyor tram 130 may be metered.

In some embodiments, metering is achieved by adjusting speeds of conveyor 160 and conveyor 138. For example, conveyor 138 and conveyor 160 may be held at substantially identical linear speeds so that rock does not accumulate on conveyor 160. Alternatively, conveyors 138 and 160 may be held at linear speeds in a constant ratio to one another, such that accumulation of rock is consistent.

In some embodiments, discharge unit 158 may be equipped with a discrete metering device. For example, discharge may be metered through an orifice to limit the flow rate of fragmented rock onto conveyor 138. Additionally or alternatively, a measurement device such as a metering wheel, a machine vision system, or a conveyor load cell could be used to measure the quantity of rock discharged onto conveyor 138.

In some embodiments, multiple rails 120 may be provided within tunnel 106. For example, FIG. 5 depicts a system including two rails 120 (individually, 120-1, 120-2) extending parallel to one another.

Rails 120-1, 120-2 may be coextensive. That is, both rails 120-1, 120-2 may extend from a junction with main tunnel 104 to distal ends at substantially identical distances from face 109. Each rail 120 is capable of supporting apparatus such as conveyor tram 130 or muck loading apparatus 132. As depicted, rails 120-1, 120-2 respectively support conveyor trams 130-1, 130-2.

Rails 120-1, 120-2 provide flexibility for performing multiple operations within tunnel 106. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, muck loading device 132 and conveyor tram 130 are arranged serially as a pair on a rail 120-1. Additional apparatus, such as a second pair of a muck loading device and conveyor tram, could be supported on a second rail 120-2. Alternatively, other apparatus such as blasting apparatus or a working platform for supporting workers could be provided.

Rails 120-1, 120-2 also provide flexibility of movement within tunnel 106. Specifically, one piece of apparatus could move in the distal direction of tunnel 106 along rail 120-1. A second piece of apparatus could move in the proximal direction of tunnel 106 along rail 120-2. Such pieces of apparatus could pass one another while moving in opposite directions.

In some embodiments, a crossover mechanism may be provided between multiple rails 120. For example, FIG. 6 depicts a crossover mechanism 174 that permits carriages 122 to cross from rail 120-1 to rail 120-2. Crossover mechanism 174 may be located anywhere along the length of tunnel 106, subject to spatial constraints. However, a crossover mechanism may be located substantially at any point along the length of the tunnel 106, subject to spatial constraints. In some embodiments, multiple crossover mechanisms may be present at different points along the length of tunnel 106, allowing carriages 122 to changes tracks at multiple locations.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict another crossover mechanism, in which carriages 122 are pivotably and releasably attached to the frame supported thereon. The crossover mechanism includes a frame member 129 which could be part of a frame of any apparatus disclosed herein, and which is connected to a first carriage 122-1 at a distal end and to a second carriage 122-2 at a proximal end. Connections between carriages 122 and frame member 129 are releasable and are pivotable, such that when the connection at one end is released, the free end may be pivoted around the connected end.

Carriages 122-1, 122-2 are mounted to a first rail 120-1. Additional carriages 120-3, 120-4 are mounted to a second rail 120-2. As shown in FIG. 7B, the connection between carriage 122-2 and frame member 129 is released. The proximal end of frame member 129 is then pivoted about carriage 122-1 to align and connect frame member 129 with carriage 122-4.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the connection between frame member 129 and carriage 122-1 is released and then the frame member is pivoted around carriage 122-4 to align and connect frame member 129 with carriage 122-3.

Thus, after the two pivots, frame member 129 moves from being carried on rail 120-1 to being carried on rail 120-2.

In some examples, the releasable connections between frame member 129 and carriages 122 may be locked and released by manual insertion or removal of pins.

In addition to conveyor tram 130 and muck loading apparatus 132, other types of apparatus may be supported on rails 120.

FIG. 8 depicts an example drilling apparatus 200 that may be supported on rails 120 and transported along the length of tunnel 106 on rails 120.

Drilling apparatus 200 is operable to drill holes in any of roof 114, floor 116, walls 118 and face 109 of tunnel 106. Such holes may, for example, be for securing ground support hardware or for inserting explosives for blasting.

Drilling apparatus 200 has a frame 202 supported by a plurality of carriages 122 on rail 120. Drilling apparatus 200 also includes a drive unit 125 operable to propel drilling apparatus 200 along the length of rail 120. The drive unit 125 may drive apparatus 200 frictionally or using a geared interface.

A boom 206 extends from frame 202 toward face 109. As previously noted, the distal end of rail 120 is typically spaced apart from face 109 by a distance corresponding to the minimum safe distance from a blast event. Boom 206 is sufficiently long to reach across such spacing so that the end of boom 206 can perform operations on face 109.

Boom 206 comprises a support link 210 and a tool carrier 212. Support link 210 is connected to frame 202 by way of a joint 214. Support link 210 is pivotable relative to frame 202 around joint 214. Joint 214 permits rotation of support link 210 at least in a horizontal plane. Support link 210 can also be axially extended or retracted, e.g. by an electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.

Tool carrier 212 is connected to support link 210 by way of a pivotable joint 216. Joint 216 permits tool carrier 212 to rotate in at least two axes relative to support link 210. Specifically, tool carrier can be rotated in a horizontal plane parallel to that in which joint 212 can be rotated, and in a second, orthogonal direction around a horizontal axis parallel to the support link 210. Drilling apparatus 200 is therefore able to reach a large portion of face 109 and the surrounding roof 114, floor 116 and walls 118 of tunnel 106.

Movement of boom 206 around joints 214, 216 may be effected by actuators, which may for example be electrically operated actuators, such as servomotors, or hydraulic or pneumatic pistons. Other suitable actuators are possible, as will be apparent to skilled persons.

Tool holder 212 is mounted to the distal end of support link 210 at approximately the midpoint of tool holder 212 and may be pivoted so that either end of the tool holder can be positioned to face any of roof 114, floor 116, walls 118 or face 109. Tools may be mounted at both ends of tool holder 212. In the depicted embodiment, the tools are electrically operated drills with bits suitable for drilling in rock. The bits may be removable, such that they can be easily replaced or exchanged with other bits suited to the composition of rock surrounding tunnel 106.

Drilling apparatus 200 is operable in a first mode, depicted in FIG. 8, for drilling structural support holes in walls 118 of tunnel 106. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, tool holder 212 is positioned in a horizontal orientation, with each drill facing one of walls 118. The drills may be operated to bore holes into the rock for receiving rock bolts.

Support link 210 may be moved around joint 214 to reposition the drills relative to walls 118. Thus, by articulation of boom 206, holes may be drilled in walls 218 in substantially any desired pattern.

In a second mode, depicted in FIG. 9A, tool holder 212 can be pivoted into a vertical position. In the vertical position, a drill carried on tool holder 212 faces roof 114. The drill can then bore holes in roof 114 for receiving rock bolts to anchor tunnel support structure and tracks 120. By extension of support link 210 and pivoting around joints 214, 216, tool holder 212 can be moved to drill holes in roof 114 in substantially any desired pattern.

In a third mode, depicted in FIG. 9B, tool holder 212 can be pivoted into a horizontal position, substantially perpendicular to face 109. In this position, a drill carried on tool holder 212 faces face 109. The drill can then bore holes in face 109 for receiving blast charges. By extension of support link 210 and pivoting around joints 214, 216, tool holder 212 can be moved to drill holes in face 109 in substantially any desired pattern.

Drilling apparatus 200 can also be operated in a transport mode, depicted in FIG. 10. In the transport mode, support link 210 and tool holder 212 are folded under frame 202. In the transport mode, drilling apparatus 200 is physically compact, and the center of mass of drilling apparatus 200 is relatively close to tracks 120. Accordingly, the apparatus is relatively stable for transportation and is less likely to interfere with other apparatus as it is moved.

FIG. 11 depicts an example platform apparatus 220 that can be supported on a track 120. Platform apparatus 220 has a frame 222 supported on track 120 by way of a plurality of carriages 122. A drive unit 125 is mounted to frame 222. The drive unit may, for example, include a variable speed electric motor operable to drive platform apparatus along rail 120 by a frictional or geared interface. A working platform 224 is supported on frame 202 by way of a multi-bar linkage 226. Linkage 226 has pivotable joints 228 connecting the linkage 226 to frame 202 and pivotable joints 230 connecting the linkage 226 to platform 224. Linkage 226 may also be axially extendable and retractable, e.g. by way of electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. Thus, linkage 226 permits movement of platform 224 in multiple axes.

Platform 224 is operable to support workers or apparatus for working on any of roof 114, floor 116, side walls 118 and face 109. For example, platform 224 may be used to elevate workers to install support structure to roof 114, or to insert explosive charges in face 109. Other applications are possible, as will be apparent. Platform 224 has guard rails 225 for protecting against falls by workers. Guard rails 225 are pivotably attached to platform 224, such that the guard rails can be selectively fixed in an upright position, e.g. using pins, or collapsed to lie flat against platform 224.

Linkage 226 is configured so that platform 224 can be held in a horizontal orientation in a wide range of possible locations. Specifically, axial extension or retraction of linkage 226 and articulation of linkage 226 around joints 228, 230 may allow platform 224 to be held in a horizontal position while providing access to any portion of roof 114 between the ends of tracks 120 and face 109, or to any portion of face 109.

An explosives transportation unit 232 may also be supported on tracks 120. The explosives transportation unit 232 may be integrally formed with platform apparatus 220 and supported on frame 222. Alternatively, explosives transportation unit 232 may have a separate frame and be supported on separate carriages 122, and moved into proximity with platform apparatus 220.

As depicted, explosives transportation unit 232 is equipped with tooling for workers to transfer explosive charges into holes bored in face 109 using drilling apparatus 200. In the depicted embodiment, the tooling comprises nozzles for injecting explosive material in a flowable form, e.g. a slurry. However, other tooling is possible, for transferring explosives in different forms. The tooling may also be capable of inserting ignition devices, e.g. wires for electrical ignition, which may be operated remotely.

Platform apparatus 220 is also operable in a transport mode, as shown in FIG. 12. In the transport mode, platform 224 and linkage 226 are extended to raise the platform close to rail 120. In the depicted embodiment, guard rails 234 on the working platform 224 are also folded flat against the platform 224.

Any apparatus supported from tracks 120, including conveyor tram 130, muck loading apparatus 132, drilling apparatus 200, platform apparatus 220 and explosives transportation unit 232, may be equipped with stabilization devices for stabilizing the apparatus during operation.

FIG. 13 depicts an example stabilization device 240. As shown, stabilization device 240 is mounted to a frame proximate a carriage 122.

Stabilization device 240 includes an anchor tip 242 for engagement with roof 114, floor 116, side walls 118 or face 109 of tunnel 106. Anchor tip 242 is mounted on a linear actuator which is extendable to urge anchor tip 242 into contact with roof 114, floor 116, side walls 118 or face 109. The actuator may, for example, comprise a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, or an electro-mechanical drive such as a ball screw.

Anchor tip 242 may be formed of a material of sufficient hardness to dig into roof 114, floor 116, side walls 118 or face 109. For example, the anchor tip may be formed of a suitable tool steel or carbide. Alternatively or additionally, anchor tip 242 may have a high-friction surface for frictionally engaging roof 114, floor 116, side walls 118 or face 109. Thus, when anchor tip 242 is urged into contact with roof 114, floor 116, side walls 118 or face 109, the anchor tip 242 grips the roof 114, floor 116, side walls 118 or face 109 and braces the frame against relative movement between the frame and the roof 114, floor 116, side walls 118 or face 109.

Stabilization device 240 has an adjustable base 244. Adjustable base 244 is pivotably mounted to the frame, and has an actuator such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or servo operable to adjust the orientation of base 244 and of stabilization device 240 relative to the frame. The orientation may be chosen based on the loads expected to be imposed on the frame. For example, stabilization device 240 may be oriented substantially vertically to brace drilling apparatus 200 for drilling in roof 114. Stabilization device may be angled outwardly towards walls 118 to brace against lateral loads, e.g. for drilling in walls 118. Optionally, multiple stabilization devices 240 may be provided on the same piece of equipment, and may be oriented at different angles to provide bracing in multiple directions.

In some embodiments, stabilization devices 240 may be installed to portions of equipment other than frames. For example, instead of or in addition to the respective frames, stabilization devices 240 may be provided on any of outrigger unit 158, ramp unit 154 or discharge unit 156 of muck loading apparatus 132; boom 206 of drilling apparatus 200; or platform 224 of platform apparatus 200.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example method 300 of operation in a tunnel 106.

At box 302, a pile of fragmented rock material, referred to as a muck pile, lies proximate face 109 of tunnel 106. Muck loading apparatus 132 is advanced to the distal end of rail 120 (see FIG. 2), which rail is spaced apart from face 109 by a safety margin corresponding to the minimum safe distance from a blast.

Outrigger unit 158 is extended over the muck pile so that its distal end is positioned proximate face 109 and roof 114. Blade 170 is drawn towards the distal end of outrigger unit 158 and allowed to rest atop the muck pile.

Ramp unit 154 is also extended towards the muck pile and its distal end is lowered to rest on floor 116 proximate the muck pile. The conveyor 160 of ramp unit 154 is activated for moving material from its distal end towards its proximal end.

Discharge unit 156 is positioned to receive material from the proximal end of ramp unit 154 and direct the material onto the distal end conveyor 138 of conveyor tram 130. Conveyor 138 is also activated for moving material from its distal end towards its proximal end.

Wire 165 is then moved to drag blade 170 down the muck pile towards ramp unit 154 and, subsequently, to return blade 170 to the top of the muck pile. Blade 170 continues to be reciprocated through this path.

With each pass of blade 170 down the muck pile and towards ramp unit 154, the blade pulls muck material from the top of the pile and onto ramp unit 154. The ramp unit 154 then lifts the muck material to discharge unit 156.

As noted, discharge unit directs the received material onto the distal end of conveyor 138 of conveyor tram 130. As noted, speeds of conveyor 160 and conveyor 138 may be matched so that fragmented material is evenly distributed along the length of conveyor 138. Additionally or alternatively, discharge unit 156 may have a restrictor device limiting the rate at which material can be deposited onto conveyor 138. In some embodiments, conveyor 138 may be advanced in discrete increments, rather than continuously, so that rock material is discharged onto conveyor 138 in discrete piles.

Loading of conveyor 138 in this manner continues until the entire upward-facing length of conveyor 138 is loaded with material. Conveyor tram 130 is then moved along rail 120 towards main tunnel 104 to offload material.

Removal of material from the muck pile may pause until the conveyor tram returns after unloading, or until another conveyor tram 130 arrives to receive material. At that point, material removal continues in the same manner.

During removal of muck, ramp unit 154 and outrigger unit 158 may be repositioned to collect material from different parts of the muck pile. For example, ramp unit 154 and may be twisted to a different angular orientation relative to rail 120, such that material can be collected from portions of the muck pile adjacent side walls 158.

Removal of material continues until the muck pile is substantially entirely removed. Thereafter, face 109 and the surrounding area are prepared for a new blast.

At box 304, drilling apparatus 200 is advanced to the distal end of rails 120 and boom 206 is extended toward face 209. Boom 206 is moved to the drilling configuration of FIG. 9A, i.e., with a drill of tool holder 212 facing roof 114. A series of holes are drilled in roof 114 to receive bolts for anchoring ground support structure. In some embodiments, additional holes may be bored in side walls 118 for receiving rock bolts. To drill such holes, drilling apparatus 200 may be moved to a position with a drill of tool holder 212 facing a side wall 118 (FIG. 7).

At box 306, platform apparatus 220 is advanced to the distal end of rail 120 and platform 224 raised into position so that workers on platform 224 can access roof 114. Workers install rock bolts into the holes bored at box 304. Reinforcing structure is installed using the rock bolts. The reinforcing structure may include, for example, metal bars or arches, metal mesh, pillars, or any suitable structure, as will be apparent to skilled persons. The supporting structure may include devices for anchoring rail 120.

In embodiments with a single rail 120, drilling apparatus 200 is removed prior to platform apparatus 220 being moved towards face 109. In embodiments with multiple rails 109, platform apparatus 220 may be moved towards face 109 on another rail, while drilling apparatus 200 is held in its working position.

At box 308, drilling apparatus is moved into a working position proximate face 109 (if necessary) and boom 206 is moved to the position of FIG. 9A, with a drill of tool holder 212 facing face 109. Holes are drilled in face 109 for receiving explosive charges. The number, size and spacing of explosive holes depends on the nature of the formation being blasted. For example, formations with large numbers of naturally-occurring cracks may be blasted with relatively little explosive.

At box 310, platform apparatus 220 is moved into a working position near face 109 and workers supported on platform 224 install explosive charges into holes drilled at box 308. Explosives transportation device 232 is moved into position behind platform apparatus 200 and explosive charges are injected through nozzles.

After installation of explosives, all personnel and machinery are moved in the proximal direction away from face 109, to a safe distance for blasting. The safe distance may depend, for example, on characteristics of the formation being blasted, and the number and size of charges, as will be apparent.

Explosives are detonated at box 312. Detonation may be triggered remotely by any suitable method.

Immediately after face 109 of tunnel 106 is blasted, a section of rock is broken down into fragmented material, leaving a new face 109 distal of the face that was blasted. The new face 109 is spaced apart from rail 120 by a distance defined by the depth of the blasted rock section, plus the safety margin by which rail 120 was spaced apart from the previous face immediately prior to the blast.

After blasting, at box 314, the new face 109 and surrounding sections of roof 114, floor 116 and side walls 118 are inspected visually and with the aid of instruments to verify stability and safety for further work.

Inspection may be performed by workers atop platform 224 of platform apparatus 220. Specifically, platform apparatus 220 may be advanced to the distal end of rail 120. Platform 224 is extended toward the new face 109 by articulation of linkage 226. Platform 224 may be moved laterally and vertically up and down across face 109.

Upon satisfactory inspection, at box 316, a section is installed for each rail 120. The new sections mate to the existing rails, such that carriages 122 supporting apparatus can me moved from the existing rail onto the new section. The process then returns to box 302 for removal of fragmented material from the blast.

Process 300 repeats to propagate tunnel 106 in a distal direction away from its starting point.

FIG. 15 depicts main tunnel 104 in greater detail. Apparatus, personnel and material may be carried between the surface and any tunnel 106 by way of main tunnel 104.

Main tunnel 104 is equipped with a ground-mounted conveyor 400. Conveyor 400 may include an endless belt 402 driven by one or more electrical drive rollers (not shown), which may be operated at variable speed. Conveyor 400 may further be supported by one or more idler rollers (not shown). The endless belt 402 may have a plurality of spaced elevator partitions 404 attached thereto.

A loading chute 406 may be positioned above the conveyor 400 at a junction with a tunnel 106, to receive fragmented material from a conveyor tram 130 within the tunnel and direct the fragmented material onto conveyor 400. Specifically, rock material falling into loading chute 406 is directed into a pocket defined by an elevator partition 404. Conveyor 400 may be constantly or intermittently advanced to carry a filled elevator partition 404 away from chute 406 and towards the surface.

Loading of fragmented rock into each elevator partition 404 may be metered. Metering may be achieved, e.g., using a measurement device on or proximate conveyor tram 130 to measure the amount of rock discharged. Additionally or alternatively, metering may be achieved by providing a fixed-size aperture on chute 406 and advancing conveyor 400 at a defined rate, such that each elevator partition 404 receives a maximum weight of material. Additionally or alternatively, one or more load sensors may be positioned on or under endless belt 402 or elevator partitions 404 to directly measure the load imposed on each elevator partition 404. Controlling load in this way may contribute to durability and reliability of conveyor 400.

Conveyor 400 is of modular construction. Specifically, conveyor 400 includes a plurality of sections, each having: a structure for supporting conveyor 400 on the floor of main tunnel 104; a portion of belt 402 with one or more elevator partitions 404; and on one or more rollers supporting the belt portion. In some embodiments, all sections of conveyor 400 include at least one drive roller. In other embodiments, drive rollers may be present in only a subset of conveyor sections, e.g. every second section or every fourth section.

In the depicted embodiment, belt 402 has a core comprised of metallic links, with an outer cover. The outer cover may be, for example, woven fabric such as nylon fabric, or a resilient flexible polymeric layer such as a rubberized sheath.

Portions of belt 402 are connected by splice joints 410, depicted in FIG. 16. Splice joints 410 are mechanically releasable couplings between portions of belt 402, and can pivot through a sufficient range of motion to easily pass around rollers at the ends of conveyor 400. In the depicted embodiment, each splice joint 410 comprises an array of interlocking links 412 at the ends of abutting sections of belt 402. Links 412 can be brought into registration with one another, and cooperatively define an opening through which a pin can be inserted. The pin locks the two sets of links 412 to one another, thereby joining the sections of belt 402 together. Other types of connections are possible, as will be apparent.

Tunnels can be excavated horizontally, with an incline gradient, or with a decline gradient. As depicted, main tunnel 104 is excavated downwardly as extraction from ore body 102 progresses. That is, tunnels 106 are excavated in sequence from top (closest to the surface) to bottom (farthest from the surface). Main tunnel 104 is correspondingly extended downwardly to service new tunnels 106.

As shown in FIG. 16, one or more rails 120 are also installed to the roof of main tunnel 104. In the depicted embodiment, two rails 120-3, 120-4 are present, although any number of rails may be used, subject to space constraints.

Any of conveyor tram 130, muck loading apparatus 132, drilling apparatus 200, platform apparatus 220, and explosives transportation unit 232 may be supported on and moved along rail 120, and may be used to excavate main tunnel 104 substantially as described above with reference to tunnel 106. That is, main tunnel 104 may have an end face 109′ and main tunnel 104 may be extended in steps by blasting a section of rock behind end face 109′ to define a new end face, and removing the blasted rock before blasting again.

As shown in FIG. 16, an example muck loading apparatus 132 is positioned to load fragmented material from a pile onto conveyor 400. That is, the muck loading apparatus 132 of FIG. 2 is positioned with its ramp unit 154 proximate the pile and its discharge unit 156 atop conveyor 400 so that fragmented material falls from discharge unit 156 onto conveyor 400.

In other embodiments, a conveyor tram 130 may be arranged in series behind muck loading apparatus 132 and overlapping conveyor 400, such that fragmented material is transferred from the muck loading apparatus 132 to the conveyor tram 130, and then to conveyor 400.

FIG. 17 depicts an example of such an arrangement. As shown, conveyor 400 is set back from face 109′ by a gap distance G. Conveyor tram 130 and muck loading apparatus 132 in combination span the gap distance between conveyor 400 and face 109′. Muck loader 132 spans a distance L and conveyor tram 130 spans a distance T. As depicted, the sum of distances L and T is greater than distance G. Therefore, muck loader 132 overlaps conveyor tram 130 and conveyor tram 130 overlaps conveyor 400. Such overlaps ensure that muck loader 132 can discharge fragmented material from onto conveyor tram 130 and that conveyor tram 130 can discharge fragmented material onto conveyor 400.

With each blast at the end of main tunnel 104, face 109′ is extended farther away from conveyor 400. Conveyor tram 130 and muck loading apparatus 132 may move towards the new face 109′ such that they continue to span the gap. However, the overlap between components correspondingly decreases.

Conveyor tram 130 and muck loading apparatus 132 continue to incrementally move away from conveyor 400 with successive blasts, until a minimum overlap between muck loader 132 and conveyor tram 130 is reached, or until a minimum overlap between conveyor tram 130 and conveyor 400 is reached. In some embodiments, the minimum overlap may be zero, such that tram 130 and muck loading apparatus 132 incrementally move away from conveyor 400 until there is no overlap. An additional section may then be installed to extend conveyor 400 so that the conveyor and the tram 130 again overlap, and continue blasting.

Thus, an additional section of conveyor 400 is installed for each set of blasts that cumulatively adds a distance to main tunnel 104 equivalent to the lengths of conveyor tram 130 and muck loading apparatus 132, less the overlaps required for operation. In an example, conveyor tram 130 is 30 metres in length and muck loading apparatus 132 spans a length of 12 metres.

In the absence of conveyor tram 130, new sections would have to be added to conveyor 400 much more frequently. Depending on the depth of each blast, new conveyor sections could be required after every blast.

Conveyor 400 must be stopped in order to add a section. Therefore, the use of conveyor tram 130 intermediate conveyor 400 and muck loading machine 132 may avoid operational interruptions, and in turn, may increase productivity for mine 100.

In some embodiments, new sections may be added to conveyor 400 even less frequently. For example, blasting could continue until the gap distance G between conveyor 400 and face 109′ is greater than the combined lengths T, L of conveyor tram 130 and muck loader 132. In such configurations, conveyor tram 130 may be loaded with fragmented material, then moved along rail 120 towards conveyor 400 until they overlap, prior to discharging the fragmented material onto conveyor 400.

In some embodiments, a modified conveyor tram may be used in main tunnel 104. FIGS. 18A-18B depict one such example conveyor tram 130′. In FIG. 18A, conveyor tram 130′ is shown in an extended position. In FIG. 18B, conveyor tram is shown partially retracted.

Like conveyor tram 130, conveyor tram 130′ is supported on a rail 120 by way of carriages 122 (not shown). Conveyor tram 130′ may also have a drive unit operable to propel conveyor tram 130′ along rail 120 by friction or by a geared interface. Additionally or alternatively, tram 130 may be propelled by an external drive. For example, conveyor tram 130′ may be attached to a lifting device 702 such as a jack or a winch by way of a cable 704. The lifting device 702 may be mounted to the tunnel roof, as shown, or to the tunnel floor, or suspended on rail 120.

Conveyor tram 130′ has a conveyor with a belt 706. FIG. 18C shows a side schematic view of belt 706. As depicted, in some embodiments, belt 706 is generally flat, and has partitions 708 which project in a perpendicular direction from the surface of belt 706. Partitions 708 may be rigid or resiliently deformable, and define pockets in which fragmented rock can be received. When conveyor tram 130′ is used on an incline or decline, partitions 708 are positioned below piles of fragmented rock, and limit rock sliding down the belt 706.

As depicted in FIGS. 18A-18B, conveyor tram 130′ has a main section 710 which extends generally parallel to rail 120 and which at least partially overlaps conveyor 400, a loading section 712 which extends parallel to the floor of tunnel 104 and which underlies discharge unit 156 of loading apparatus 132, and a ramp section 714 which extends from main section 710 to loading section 712 at a decline angle.

Lifting device 712 is operable to move conveyor tram 130′ up or down tunnel 104, thereby increasing or decreasing the length of main section 710 that overlaps conveyor 400.

In operation, as shown in FIG. 18B, conveyor tram 130′ may be extended towards the face of tunnel 104 and towards muck loading apparatus 132 to remove fragmented rock from a blast. Once the rock has been removed and the face is ready to be blasted again, conveyor tram 130′ may be withdrawn away from the face, to leave a defined minimum safe distance between the conveyor tram and the blast event. The minimum safe distance may depend, for example, on characteristics of the formation being blasted and characteristics of the explosives being used. In an example, the minimum safe distance may be 24 metres.

As noted, conveyor 400 is installed in sections. At the time a section is installed, it is spaced apart from the face of tunnel 104 by the minimum safe distance. Conveyor tram 130′ is extended to bridge the gap between the face and conveyor 400. Subsequent blasts move the face farther away from the conveyor 400, such that conveyor tram 130′ needs to bridge a larger gap. To do so, conveyer tram 130′ may be extended farther, resulting in a smaller overlap between main section 710 and conveyor 400. The range of distance that can be serviced with conveyor tram 130′ is defined by the length l of its main section 710. A new section of conveyor 400 is installed each time a set of blasts cumulatively increase the length of tunnel 104 by distance l.

In some embodiments, the length l is longer than a section of conveyor 400. Accordingly, new sections of conveyor 400 may be installed less frequently that would be required in the absence of conveyor tram 130′. In some examples, length l may be a multiple of the length of a conveyor section. In such an example, multiple conveyor sections may be installed each time operation of conveyor 400 is interrupted for addition of a section.

Loading section 712 and ramp section 714 may be supported on the floor of tunnel 104. For example, the loading section and ramp section may be supported on wheels which carry at least part of the weight of conveyor tram 130′. Alternatively, loading section 712 and main section 714 may be supported by fixed support structures.

Loading section 712 and ramp section 714 may be pivotably connected to main conveyor 400. For example, ramp 714 can be pivoted between an operational position in which ramp 132 rests against the floor of tunnel 104 (FIG. 18A), and a tramming position in which the ramp and loading section are stowed proximate rail 120.

FIG. 19 depicts a process 300′ of excavation in main tunnel 104. Process 300′ is substantially identical to process 300, except in addition to installation of a rail section at box 316, it is determined at box 318 if a new section of conveyor 400 is required. If so, at box 320, a section is installed.

To install a new section of conveyor 400, the conveyor is stopped. Prior to stopping, conveyor 400 may be unloaded of fragmented material. A support structure is erected on the floor of main tunnel 104 between the existing conveyor 400 and face 109′. Rolling elements are installed to the support structure for supporting belt 402. As noted, the rolling elements include at least one idler roller and may include one or more drive rollers.

A splice joint 410 at the lower-most end of belt 402 is released and a new section of belt is wrapped around the newly-installed rolling elements. Links 412 at both ends of the new belt section are aligned in registration with corresponding links 412 from the released splice joint 410. The registered links 412 are then locked together to form closed splice joints 410, joining the new section into belt 402.

Conveniently, conveyor 400 and rails 120 may in concert be capable of transporting apparatus, material and personnel up an incline substantially steeper than could be achieved with conventional ground vehicles such as trucks. Accordingly, main tunnel 104 may likewise be steeper than a tunnel designed to be serviced by trucks. For example, trucks may typically be capable of moving apparatus, material and personnel up a grade of 15% or less. In contrast, using conveyor 400 and rails 120, apparatus, material and personnel may be moved up a 58% grade or more.

As will be apparent, excavation of main tunnel 104 at a steeper incline may permit access to ore body 102 with a shorter main tunnel 104, shorter tunnels 106, or both. Accordingly, the cost of accessing the ore body may be substantially lower. Moreover, rails 120 and conveyor 400, operating in concert, may permit removal of material at a higher rate, further lowering the cost of resource production. Such lower costs may enable some resource deposits to be mined profitably which would not be profitable using conventional techniques. In addition, some resources may be physically inaccessible using conventional techniques but capable of mining using apparatus and methods disclosed herein.

In addition to excavation of material from main tunnel 104 and tunnels 106, apparatus and methods disclosed herein may be used for removing portions of ore body 102 between tunnels 106.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart depicting a process 600 of extracting material from between tunnels 106.

FIG. 21 depicts portions of two tunnels, namely, an overcut (upper) tunnel 106-1 and an undercut (lower) tunnel 106-2, with a supporting block 500 of ore body 102 therebetween. In an example, block 500 may be approximately 50 metres thick.

At box 602 and as shown in FIG. 21, a plurality of drill holes 502 are bored through block 500, and extend downwardly from tunnel 106-1 to tunnel 106-2. Drill holes 502 are bored in a region of block 500 having thickness t and length l, hereinafter referred to as a blast region. In an example, the blast region has a thickness of about 10 metres and a length of about 30 m. However, these dimensions may be greater or smaller. In some embodiments, the thickness of the blast region is greater than that of the tunnels 106, in which case the tunnels may be widened in the blast region by excavating the surrounding rock.

Drill holes 502 may be bored by drilling apparatus 200 or another suitable drilling rig and are drilled in a pattern designed to break and fragment a portion of block 500. Each drill hole comprises a hollow bore in which explosives may be inserted, such that they rest at the lowermost portion of block 500 within the blast region.

At box 604 and as shown in FIG. 22, explosives may be placed in drill holes 502 by workers on a platform apparatus 220 in tunnel 106-1. Specifically, platform apparatus 220 and explosives transportation unit 232 move into place along rail 120 and platform apparatus 220 is articulated so that workers can access all drill holes 502 in the blast region.

At box 606 and as shown in FIG. 23, explosive charges in drill holes 502 are detonated, causing the lowermost portion of block 500 within the blast region to become fragmented and fall into a pile 504 in tunnel 106-2. After the blast, a void or stope 506 is created between the pile 504 and block 500.

At box 608, muck loading apparatus 132 and conveyor tram 130 are moved into place in tunnel 106-2 along rail 120 and fragmented material from pile 504 is loaded onto conveyor tram 130 and removed until material is able to slough from pile 504 towards tunnel 106-2, where it can be removed by muck loading apparatus 132.

If part of block 500 within the blast region remains intact, the process returns to box 604 and another set of explosive charges is installed in drill holes 502 for another round of blasting and material removal. The explosive charges may be positioned at the bottom of drill holes 502 by first dropping a plug down each drill hole to stop the explosive charge.

When the entirety of block 500 within the blast region has been blasted, a void is left between overcut tunnel 106-1 and undercut tunnel 106-2. At box 610 and as shown in FIGS. 24-25, blade 170 of muck loading apparatus 132 is mounted on a long line 510. A pair of carriages 122, each carrying a pulley 512, are moved into position above stope 506, by movement along rail 120 of tunnel 106-1. Long line 510 is attached to blade 170 and looped around pulleys 512 and a pulley at muck loading apparatus 132. For example, line 510 may be fed through pulleys 512 at tunnel 106-1, then lowered to tunnel 106-2 and fed through the pulley at muck loading apparatus 132. Long line 510 may then be cycled back and forth to move blade 170 through a stroke along the top of pile 504, to draw material towards muck loading apparatus 132.

The positions of pulleys 512 can be moved along rail 120 to alter the stroke of blade 170. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, pulleys 512 are spaced far apart from one another, with one pulley 512 positioned at the distal extreme of rail 120 in tunnel 106-1. With the pulleys so positioned, the stroke of blade 170 may span substantially the entire length of pile 504. Alternatively, with pulleys 512 positioned close together as shown in FIG. 22, blade 170 may be moved through a relatively short stroke, for example, to remove only the material closest to loading apparatus 132.

When pile 504 is substantially cleared, if part of block 500 remains to be excavated, the process returns to box 602 and repeats for another part of block 500. If all of block 500 has been blasted and removed, the resulting void is filled with backfill material. The process then moves to another block to to be excavated.

Material removal by process 600 may be relatively efficient. That is, material may be removed at a high rate or at a low cost compared to conventional processes.

The embodiments detailed herein are intended as examples only and are in no way limiting of the invention. Modifications are possible, as will be apparent to skilled persons. The invention is therefore defined by the claims, as interpreted in view of the application as a whole. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for mining material in an underground tunnel, comprising: At least one rail mounted to a roof of the tunnel; a tram comprising: a tram carriage supporting said tram on said rail, for movement along said at least one rail; a tram conveyor mounted to said tram carriage, for movement of material relative to said tram carriage; a loader comprising: a loader carriage supporting said loader on said rail, for movement along said at least one rail; a ramp having a loading conveyor for transporting material upwardly along said ramp, wherein said loader discharges material from an upper end of said ramp onto said tram conveyor.
 2. The system of claim 1, comprising a drive unit associated with each of said carriages for propulsion along said at least one rail.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said drive unit comprises an electric motor.
 4. The system of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said drive unit comprises an output gear that meshes with teeth along said tunnel for propulsion.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said teeth project from said at least one rail.
 6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said tram comprises a plurality of interconnected cars, each supported on said at least one rail by a tram carriage.
 7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said loader comprises a blade operable to draw material onto said loading conveyor.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein said loader comprises a boom and said blade is movable through a stroke between said boom and said ramp to draw material onto said loading conveyor.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein said blade is mounted to a wire running between said boom and said ramp.
 10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said loader comprises a metering device for controlling discharge of material from said ramp to said conveyor of said tram.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the metering device comprises a flow restrictor.
 12. The system of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the metering device comprises a variable-speed drive for matching the speeds of said loading conveyor and said conveyor of said tram.
 13. A method for mining material in an underground tunnel, comprising: moving a tram carriage toward a face of said tunnel along at least one rail mounted to a roof of said tunnel; transferring fragmented rock from a loading ramp suspended from said at least one rail to a conveyor on said tram carriage; moving said fragmented rock with said conveyor along a length of said tram.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said moving said tram carriage comprises driving said tram carriage with a drive unit on said tram carriage.
 15. The method of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein said wherein said moving said tram carriage comprises driving said tram carriage with an electric motor.
 16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein said wherein said moving said tram carriage comprises driving said tram with a drive rack mounted to said roof.
 17. The method of any one of claims 13 to 16, comprising drawing fragmented rock onto said loading ramp with a movable blade.
 18. The method of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein said transferring comprises advancing said fragmented rock along said loading ramp with a conveyor.
 19. The method of any one of claims 13 to 18, comprising metering a rate of transfer of said fragmented rock from said loading ramp to said conveyor on said tram carriage.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein said metering comprises controlling a speed of a conveyor on said loading ramp.
 21. A system for mining in an underground tunnel, comprising: a conveyor extending along said tunnel and supported on the floor of said tunnel, said conveyor operable to transport granulated material towards the surface; a rail extending along the tunnel and mounted to a roof of the tunnel above said conveyor, said rail operable to support wheeled machinery for transportation along said rail.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein said conveyor comprises a conveyor belt.
 23. The system of claim 22 wherein said conveyor belt comprises a plurality of belt segments connected at mechanical joints.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein said conveyor comprises a plurality of serially-arranged conveyor modules, said conveyor belt supported by each one of said conveyor modules.
 25. The system of claim 24, wherein said conveyor belt comprises a belt segment corresponding to each one of said conveyor modules.
 26. The system of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein said mechanical joints are pinned joints.
 27. The system of any one of claims 21 to 26, comprising a plurality of partitions on said conveyor, defining pockets for receiving material to be transported.
 28. The system of claim 21, comprising a gear rack extending along the length of said rail, for propulsion of said wheeled machinery by meshing with said gear rack.
 29. The system of claim 28, wherein said gear rack comprises a set of teeth projecting from a surface of said rail.
 30. The system of claim 29, comprising a loading apparatus suspended on said rail and movable along said rail, said loading apparatus operable to transfer granulated material onto said conveyor.
 31. The system of claim 30, wherein said loading apparatus comprises a tram movable along said rail, said tram having a tram conveyor thereon for transferring material onto said conveyor.
 32. A method of mining material in an underground tunnel, comprising: moving fragmented rock along said tunnel on a ground-mounted conveyor; moving a loading device relative to said ground-mounted conveyor along a rail mounted to a roof of said tunnel, such that said loading device overlaps said ground-mounted conveyor; transferring fragmented rock from said loading device to said ground-mounted conveyor.
 33. The method of claim 32, comprising extending said loading device towards a face of said tunnel after blasting said face of said tunnel.
 34. The method of claim 32 or claim 34, comprising withdrawing said loading device away from said face of said tunnel before blasting said face of said tunnel.
 35. The method of claim 32, wherein said moving fragmented rock comprises moving a conveyor belt.
 36. The method of claim 33, comprising releasing a mechanical connection of said conveyor belt install an extension to said conveyor belt.
 37. The method of claim 34, wherein said mechanical connection is a pinned joint.
 38. A drilling apparatus for use in a mining tunnel, comprising: a wheeled carriage for suspending said drilling apparatus from a rail on the roof of the tunnel; a frame depending from said wheeled carriage; a boom, comprising a tool holder having a drill mounted thereon; a pivotable joint connecting said boom and said frame, wherein said boom can be rotated around said pivotable joint.
 39. The drilling apparatus of claim 38, comprising a drive unit for propelling said drilling apparatus along the rail.
 40. The drilling apparatus of claim 39, wherein said drive unit comprises an electrical motor.
 41. The drilling apparatus of claim 39 or claim 40, wherein said drive unit comprises an output gear for propelling said drilling apparatus by meshing with a gear rack.
 42. The drilling apparatus of any one of claims 38 to 41, wherein said boom comprises a support link connected between said tool holder and said frame, and further comprising pivotable joints between said tool holder and said support link and between said support link and said frame.
 43. The drilling apparatus of claim 42, wherein said pivotable joints permit rotation of said tool holder about multiple axes.
 44. The drilling apparatus of claim 42 or claim 43, wherein said support link is axially extendable.
 45. The drilling apparatus of any one of claims 38 to 44, comprising an anchoring device mounted to said frame for bracing said drilling apparatus against a wall of said tunnel.
 46. The drilling apparatus of claim 45, wherein said anchoring device comprises an arm extendable into contact with said wall.
 47. The drilling apparatus of claim 45 or claim 46, wherein said anchoring device is mounted to said frame at a base, said base pivotable relative to said frame to adjust an angle at which said arm is extendable toward said wall.
 48. A drilling apparatus for use in a mining tunnel, comprising: a frame movably suspended from a rail on a roof of said tunnel; a boom having a drill mounted thereon; a pivotable joint connecting said boom and said frame, wherein said boom can be rotated around said pivotable joint.
 49. The drilling apparatus of claim 48, comprising a drive unit for propelling said drilling apparatus along the rail.
 50. The drilling apparatus of claim 49, wherein said drive unit comprises an electrical motor.
 51. The drilling apparatus of claim 49 or claim 50, wherein said drive unit comprises an output gear for propelling said drilling apparatus by meshing with a gear rack.
 52. The drilling apparatus of any one of claims 48 to 51, wherein said boom comprises a support link and a tool holder, said support link connected between said tool holder and said frame, and further comprising pivotable joints between said tool holder and said support link and between said support link and said frame.
 53. The drilling apparatus of claim 52, wherein said pivotable joints permit rotation of said tool holder about multiple axes.
 54. The drilling apparatus of claim 52 or claim 53, wherein said support link is axially extendable.
 55. The drilling apparatus of any one of claims 48 to 54, comprising an anchoring device mounted to said frame for bracing said drilling apparatus against a wall of said tunnel.
 56. The drilling apparatus of claim 55, wherein said anchoring device comprises an arm extendable into contact with said wall.
 57. The drilling apparatus of claim 55 or claim 56, wherein said anchoring device is mounted to said frame at a base, said base pivotable relative to said frame to adjust an angle at which said arm is extendable toward said wall.
 58. A platform apparatus for use in a mining tunnel, comprising: a wheeled carriage for suspending said platform apparatus from a rail on the roof of the tunnel; a frame depending from said wheeled carriage; a working platform for elevating workers to access an end face or a ceiling of said mining tunnel; a linkage between said frame and platform operable to move said platform relative to said frame.
 59. The platform apparatus of claim 58, comprising a drive unit for propelling said drilling apparatus along the rail.
 60. The platform apparatus of claim 59, wherein said drive unit comprises an electrical motor.
 61. The platform apparatus of claim 59 or claim 60, wherein said drive unit comprises an output gear for propelling said drilling apparatus by meshing with a gear rack.
 62. The platform apparatus of any one of claims 58 to 61, wherein said linkage between said working platform and said frame is operable to move said platform along multiple axes.
 63. The platform apparatus of any one of claims 58 to 62, comprising an anchoring device mounted to said frame for bracing said drilling apparatus against a wall of said tunnel.
 64. The platform apparatus of claim 63, wherein said anchoring device comprises an arm extendable into contact with said wall.
 65. The platform apparatus of claim 63 or claim 64, wherein said anchoring device is mounted to said frame at a base, said base pivotable relative to said frame to adjust an angle at which said arm is extendable toward said wall.
 66. A platform apparatus for use in a mining tunnel, comprising: a frame movably suspended from a rail on the roof of the tunnel; a working platform for elevating workers to access an end face or a ceiling of said mining tunnel; an articulated linkage between said working platform and said frame.
 67. The platform apparatus of claim 66, comprising a drive unit for propelling said drilling apparatus along the rail.
 68. The platform apparatus of claim 67, wherein said drive unit comprises an electrical motor.
 69. The platform apparatus of claim 67 or claim 68, wherein said drive unit comprises an output gear for propelling said drilling apparatus by meshing with a gear rack.
 70. The platform apparatus of any one of claims 66 to 69, wherein said linkage between said working platform and said frame is operable to move said platform along multiple axes.
 71. The platform apparatus of any one of claims 66 to 70, comprising an anchoring device mounted to said frame for bracing said drilling apparatus against a wall of said tunnel.
 72. The platform apparatus of claim 71, wherein said anchoring device comprises an arm extendable into contact with said wall.
 73. The platform apparatus of claim 71 or claim 72, wherein said anchoring device is mounted to said frame at a base, said base pivotable relative to said frame to adjust an angle at which said arm is extendable toward said wall.
 74. A method of mining material, comprising: blasting a region of rock positioned vertically between overcut and undercut tunnels, to create a debris pile; moving a conveyor along a roof-mounted rail in said undercut tunnel, so that said conveyor is positioned to receive fragmented material from said debris pile; suspending a blade above said debris pile from a wire between said pulley and said conveyor; and drawing said blade across said debris pile with said wire to draw fragmented material onto said conveyor.
 75. The method of claim 74, comprising moving a pulley along a roof-mounted rail in said overcut tunnel, so that said pulley is positioned above said debris pile.
 76. The method of claim 42, wherein said pulley is a first pulley and comprising moving a second pulley along said roof-mounted rail in said upper tunnel, so that said pulley is positioned above debris pile, wherein said wire extends from said first pulley to said second pulley and from said second pulley to said conveyor.
 77. The method of claim 43, wherein said blade is moved through a stroke atop said debris pile, and wherein said stroke is defined by relative positions of said pulleys.
 78. The method of any one of claims 74 to 77, wherein suspending a blade comprises feeding said wire through said pulley, and dropping said wire through a void between said overcut and said undercut tunnels.
 79. The method of any one of claims 74 to 78, wherein said blasting comprises drilling holes in a floor of said overcut tunnel.
 80. An apparatus for mining material, comprising: a first rail mounted along a roof of an overcut tunnel; a second rail mounted along a roof of an undercut tunnel, said undercut tunnel positioned below said overcut tunnel, wherein a void extends vertically between said undercut tunnel and said overcut tunnel; a conveyor mounted to said second rail in said undercut tunnel proximate said void; a blade suspended from a pulley on said first rail, said blade movable through said void across a debris pile to draw material from said debris pile onto said conveyor.
 81. The apparatus of claim 80, wherein said pulley is a first pulley and comprising a second pulley mounted to said first rail, wherein said blade is suspended from both of said first and second pulleys.
 82. The apparatus of claim 81, wherein said blade is suspended with a wire passing through said first and second pulleys.
 83. The apparatus of claim 81 or 82, wherein at least one of said pulleys is movable along said first rail to define a stroke of said blade.
 84. The apparatus of any one of claims 80 to 83, comprising a loading ramp suspended from said second rail and operable to transfer material onto said conveyor.
 85. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein said ramp comprises a loading conveyor.
 86. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein said blade is movable to draw material from said debris pile onto said conveyor by way of said ramp. 